Preview: Victoria at Red Deer

Pregame show on The Zone at 6:10, puck drop 6:30 pacific. Online at www.thezone.fm .

Victoria has a (7-8) road record after wins in Seattle, twice in Prince George and Medicine Hat. Red Deer is 4 over .500 at the Centrium (9-5-1-0).

It’s the first of 2 meetings of the season, both on the road. Last year the Rebels visited the Island and the Royals split the back to back games with a 4-3 shoot out win after a 7-4 loss Nov 12 & 13 2011. They’ll meet again in Red Deer Feb. 15th.

Victoria is on a 2 game win streak and 4 in 5 games after a 6-2 victory at Seattle Tuesday night. Alex Gogolev lead the way with 2 goals and an assist, Austin Carroll (1g 1a) had the Gordie Howe Hat Trick, while Jamie Crooks (1g 1a) and Jack Walker (2a) each had two point nights.

The Royals power play went 3 for 7, and outshot the Thunderbirds 43-31, a new season high. Patrik Polivka earned his 14th career win, while Brett Cote notched his 4th game winning goal of the season, tops by all defenseman.

The victory moves Victoria into sole possession of 6th in the West, 2 points up on Seattle.

The Red Deer Rebels suffered their first regulation loss in the 11 games since GM / Interim Head Coach Brent Sutter took over back on Nov 14th (9-1-1-0). They fell 2-1 to the visiting Calgary Hitmen Tuesday. It’s back to back losses after dropping a 5-4 overtime decision in Moose Jaw, snapping a 9 game win streak.